Materials for Scarves: A Guide to Scarf Fabrics

Scarves come in many shapes, sizes and, importantly, fabrics. A scarf's fabrication determines its texture, appearance, and weather-appropriateness, so you should always pay attention to fabric when you're shopping for scarves.

Peruse the fabric descriptions below to determine the best type of scarf material for you and your lifestyle. See below the scarf fabric guide!

Alpaca:

Alpaca scarves are made from wool of the alpaca, a domesticated species of South American camelid. Alpaca fleece is a lustrous and silky natural fiber similar to sheep’s wool, but warmer and softer. Alpaca scarves are therefore warm, but not too warm, and make for an excellent winter scarf. They’re also lightweight and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with wool allergies. However, alpaca scarves can be pricey, and they require special care when washing.

Cashmere:

This soft, luxurious fabric is made from the wool of the cashmere goat. It is light in weight and, when handled with care, becomes softer with time. A Cashmere scarf is warm but not heavy, making it ideal for layering in colder weather. Because it’s such a delicate fabric, cashmere scarves require gentle washing and should be stored carefully to avoid damage.

Cotton:

Classic and easy, cotton is staple for its ability to be laundered and its durability. It’s a cool fabric, perfect for summer wear. Cotton scarves come in a wide variety of weights, weaves, and prints, making them appropriate for any occasion. The only drawback to cotton is that it wrinkles easily.

Jersey:

This stretchy, soft cotton is breathable and light-weight. Jersey is an ideal pallet for beading, studding, sequins, and other embellishment. Because it's so flexible, jersey is often used for infinity scarves. The fabric can also be made from wool, but these jerseys are less common.

Linen:

Promoted for its coolness, linen is often considered the most breathable fabric of the bunch. It is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It's perfect for warm weather because it's cooler than other fabrics, but it wrinkles very easily. A linen scarf can add a sophisticated touch to any outfit.

Pashmina:

Pashmina refers to a type of shawl or scarf made from the cashmere wool of the pashmina goat. A Pashmina scarf are soft, lightweight, and warm. They're also very versatile, as they can be worn in a variety of ways. Pashmina scarves do require special care when washing, however, as the fabric is delicate. A pashmina scarf is ideal for chilly temperatures.

Satin:

Satin is a glossy, soft fabric most often made from silk or polyester. Satin comes in several forms or weaves, which may vary in shine, thickness, flexibility, and weight. It's often used for evening wear or other special occasions because of its luxurious appearance. However, satin can be difficult to care for and is not ideal for everyday wear.

Silk:

Silk is a natural protein fiber obtained from the larvae cocoons of the mulberry silkworm. It can be shiny or matte in luster, and is especially delicate.

Wool:

Wool comes from the fleece of sheep and other animals. It’s very warm, durable, and with proper care should last you for years. Wool scarves should be washed by hand and laid flat to dry.